My blogs

About me

Gender	Male
Industry	Business Services
Occupation	Retired from the insurance industry.
Location	Antananarivo , Madagascar
Introduction	Hello and welcome to my blog. Paul Cutter based in Antananarivo. I decided to move to Tana after being inspired by the people I met on my earlier trips. In this space, I share my adventures, my tales, my experiences, I hope you enjoy. Don't forget to follow along and share your thoughts - I'd love to connect with you!
Interests	Chess, in its many formats, Bullet, Blitz, Standard and Chess 960. I am a keen correspondence Chess Player and Member of the ICCF. Former Chess Teacher in the 1970s and !980s and former Olympiad Chess Player. Travelling. I have been very fortunate to have been able to travel. The stand out journeys was a trip around Eastern Europe before the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Trans Siberian Express, and Tibet , the Great Monasteries and seeing Mount Everest. Great memories with my daughter when she was growing up, the Atlantic Ocean on the QE2, a stand out.
Favorite movies	The Shawshank Redemption , a story of hope and friendship set in a prison. Blade Runner, a dystopian film that questions what it means to be a human. The Sixth Sense a psychological thriller that resolves a young boy who claims to see and communicate with the dead.
Favorite music	I have a wide interest in music. The following hold something special. "Saturn" by Sleeping at Last, a song which I first listened to in the final months of my partners life, emotional and introspective lyrics, exploring themes of existence, memory and the infinite. "Blowin' in the Wind" by Bob Dylan, the song, explores themes of freedom, social justice and human experiences. It captured the spirit of the 1960s and continues to inspire. "Imagine" by John Lennon, where we can dream of a better world, free from conflict and materialism. Finally, Bob Marley, "One Love" , an anthem of peace and unity, encouraging people to come together as one, transcending barriers and divisions.
Favorite books	1984, a classic of dystopian literature and often referenced in discussions about government overreach , privacy and personal freedom. The book serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of unchecked government power and the importance of preserving individual freedoms. "Why Nations Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity, and Poverty" The books argues that the fundamental reason why some nations are prosperous while others are not is the type of the institutions they have developed. By fostering inclusive political and economic institutions, nations can escape the cycle of poverty and achieve sustained growth and prosperity. "The Tragedy of Madagascar" by Nathaniel Adams offers a poignant examination of the interconnected issues that define the plight of this unique island nation. It serves as a crucial resource for understanding the complexities of Madagascar's challenges and the importance of collective efforts to foster a sustainable and equitable future.